Visit Dudepins Today To Find, Save & Share The Coolest Stuff For Guys

Archives For
Mens Fashions

The Great Depression of 1929 had a huge effect, not only on the economy, but also in 1930s men’s fashion. Fashion took a backseat during this decade due to the lack of financial stability. The lack of money showed up in their everyday fashion. People can no longer afford tailored clothing. This is the era where ready-to-wear clothing was introduced.

As compared to the Roaring Twenties, fashion sense during this decade showcased a more relaxed silhouette, less formal and less extravagant clothing. Despite the economic hardships, many young, dapper men didn’t let their personal style go away. In fact, this particular era brought on some of the most dramatic changes in men’s fashion.

1930s was the era of men’s classic clothing. Those who couldn’t afford to dress elegantly observed the style choices of those who can afford to partake in the fashion world. Once they bounced back from the Great Depression, people became more inspired to express themselves through their clothing. This gave rise to the classic attire like tuxedos, full-cut trousers, and double-breasted suits, which are still popular with in today’s men’s fashion.

If you’re intrigued by the 1930s men’s fashion and you’re looking to put together a 1930s-inspired ensemble for a themed event you’ll be attending in the coming weeks, then we urge you to read on.

In this blog post, we’ll give you glimpse into the 1930s men’s fashion and teach you exactly how they dressed during this era.

Dress shirts and sweaters

Dress shirts in the 30s are actually very similar with what we have today. Clean, pressed, button-down shirts were a staple in 1930s men’s fashion. The style was fashionable, but less formal than the style that was favored during the last decade.

It was during this decade when polo shirts were introduced. Men wanted more comfortable pieces of clothing, and actually liked the idea of wearing a top made of soft fabric. While more casual than dress shirts, younger men find it appealing. The polo shirt quickly rose into popularity and they haven’t left the fashion world since then.

Blue collar workers wore casual, simple pieces of clothing during their workdays. Most housewives would spend their free time knitting sweaters for their husbands. Eventually, sweaters were no longer seen as the clothing of the lower class. By the mid-1930s, young men were seen wearing knitted double-breasted sweaters and it actually became a trendy piece. People saw it as a refined fashion element.

Pants

1930s trousers came in navy blue, brown, and gray. During this time, pants in dark colors were deemed more acceptable. Trousers in vibrant colors, however, were seen to be in bad taste. Later on, men wore patterned pants such as stripes, windowpane, tweed, check, and plaid. Patterned pants became acceptable for both casual and business wear.

During the Roaring Twenties, men wore wide leg trousers. In the 30s, however, men’s trousers were wide at the hip and tapered down the legs. The pants were high-waisted to add to the illusion of having broad shoulders and a small waist. It was during the 30s when men started wearing full-cut trousers.

Suits

During this decade, the athletic body seen in boxers and superheroes like Captain America and Superman became the ideal men’s shape. They realized that clothes are meant to enhance the male physique rather than hide the natural lines of the body.

Because of this, everything about the 1930s suit is wide – wide, elongated lapels and broad shoulder. This is done to create the illusion of a larger torso. A lot of men even wore shoulder pads to make their shoulders look broader than they really are. The waist, however, is pinched to create the illusion of a smaller waist.

During the early 30s, suits in solid colors were the norm. Later on, suits with distinctive patterns such as stripes, checks, and plaids became a hit. While men of the 30s were known to be fashionable, many of them don’t seem to be bothered by the idea of wearing mismatched suits and pants. In fact, a dark jacket over light-colored pants has been a trademark of 1930s men’s fashion.

Several other suits came to the forefront in the latter parts of the decade. For instance, the double-breasted suit made its mark during this period. Thanks to its distinguishing characteristics, it quickly became everyone’s favorite – from Hollywood elite to royalty. This is not surprising considering that this type of suit embodied both elegance and authority.

Hats

1930s ensemble wouldn’t be complete without a hat. Boater, bowler, Homburg, Fedora, and walker are some of the most popular men’s hats of the 30s.

The straw boater hat is one of those hats that were carried over from the 20s. This hat was worn during the summer as well as in sporting events. However, it diminished in popularity by the end of the decade. The Fedora is one of the most popular hats of the decade. They are available in solid, dark colors and are often see in Hollywood movies, worn by gangsters and handsome detectives. Homburg is slightly more formal than the Fedora. This is the hat preferred by most gangsters.

Accessories

The 1930s was a wild and colorful time in men’s neck ties. During this era, bow ties and scarf ties were no longer used. Men’s neckwear was only limited to silk ties.

Silk ties came in a variety of colors and styles. Often, you’ll find neck ties embellished with multiple colors of pin dots, large dots, check, plaids, and horizontal stripes. During the early years, blues, peach, yellow, and earthy greens were acceptable. During the later years, however, neck ties in vibrant colors were preferred.

Final thoughts

1930s men’s fashion was extremely conservative during the early parts of the decade due to the great depression. Fortunately, they were able to recover, which led to less restricted ideas in men’s fashion. In the later years of the decade, they welcomed a return to a more stable economy, which allowed more freedom of expression in men’s fashion.

If there is one thing that stays the same with men’s fashion, it’s change. In fact, it’s been happening to men’s fashion for centuries. Each season, fashion experts would publish magazines and articles that contain their predictions on which style, color, and fabric would be “in” in the next season.

For some, men’s fashion is a high priority. They prefer to wear clothes that are currently popular. They try to keep up with the latest fashion and style. But with the advancement of modern technology, fashion trends are coming in and out at a surprisingly steady rate. Keeping up with the latest men’s style can be a headache for most of them.

Let’s take a look at how men’s casual style and fashion trends have changed over the years.

Popular Styles Today

Men’s Street Style

Men’s street style is more of a reflection of their lifestyle and personality. It is generally associated with youth culture. Since it is under a constant state of evolution, it can be difficult to define. But the core components of men’s street style are items you already have in your wardrobe – t-shirts, jeans, varsity jackets, caps, and sneakers. They emphasize on casual and comfortable clothing.

The classic streetwear is big, baggy clothes. Oversized shirts are often paired with baggy pants and white sneakers. So, if you’ve spent countless hours in the gym sculpting an impeccably V-shaped torso, this may not be the best option for you. In street style, walking around wearing a shirt with a logo on your chest is acceptable. In the luxury world, it may seem promiscuous. But in streetwear, a logo is an acknowledgment that you’re aligned with a particular style tribe.

Male Cyberpunk Fashion

Cyberpunk is a subgenre of science fiction. Cyber refers to technology; while punk refers to the attitude of the protagonist. Often, this refers to dissenters, visionaries, criminals, anti-heroes, and outsiders. Punk is often associated with dark colors and leather clothing. If you are looking for distinctive, edgy and dark clothing, then this would be the perfect style for you. Keep in mind, though, that it won’t work well for everyone.

What’s great about male cyberpunk fashion is that you can get away with wearing whatever you want. As long as it’s dark and futuristic, it is categorized as cyberpunk. Some prefer to wear dark, baggy clothing; while others prefer tight-fitting clothing.

Cyberpunk clothing doesn’t always have to be black. You are free to use colors in the darker range like dark gray or brown.

Korean Fashion Men

The Korean entertainment is booming right now. They are not just known for Korean dramas, k-pop music, and beauty products; they are also making it big in the fashion industry. In fact, Seoul has become one of the largest destinations for international style seekers.

Korean men have absolute freedom in their interpretation of fashion. Although the Westerners have influenced their fashion style, they try to develop their sense of individuality and identity. They are open to try new things and take more risk in prints, colors, and cuts.

Season Trends

Men’s fashion evolves and continually changes over time – from the sharp, dapper and charmingly retro look of the 1920s men’s fashion to the more unfortunate looks that became popular during the 80s and 90s. It’s amazing to see how certain events in history have influenced how people dress up. For instance, people were forced to come up with simple outfits during the World War II since they were only allowed a certain amount of fabric.

Some of the fashion trends that defined earlier eras have stood the test of time and even became style staples. Others are just fads. They became popular for a short period of time, and are never worn again. For instance, Michael Jackson made the parachute pants popular in the 1980s. The hippies made bell-bottom pants all the rage in the 70s. These pieces of clothing are no longer available in today’s clothing stores.

Let’s take a look at men’s fashion styles through the years and how far we’ve come to get where we are today.

Men’s fashion 2017

There is not a lot of innovation in men’s style and fashion from the past year. Some of 2016’s biggest trends spilled over into 2017. But men’s fashion 2017 saw a huge rise in bold hues, prints and patterns. Designers incorporated more colors, and patterns into their clothing as they believe that the modern men are brave enough to go out of their comfort zone. They aren’t afraid to make bold statements into their clothing and experiment with boldly patterned shirts. If you’re not as brave, we suggest that you start with monochrome prints.

This year, men are starting to bid farewell to skinny jeans are opting for wide-leg trousers instead. They prefer a more relaxed way of dressing. Looser cut jeans and trousers have been working their way from the runways to the mainstream for the past few seasons.

Men’s fashion 2016

Men’s fashion 2016 saw a revival of the past trends – from the 50s inspired shirts and overalls to distressed jeans to traditional colors.

Men’s fashion 2016 took inspiration to your grandfather’s favorite short-sleeved shirt – the Cuban collar shirts. These shirts are relaxed, breathable and made out of cotton. We’ve seen an uprise in Cuban collar shirts during the summer. Green and gray have been the color of choice for 2016.

Distressed jeans died down a little during the mid-2000s but made a major comeback in spring and summer 2016. These jeans are versatile, comfortable, and can add a bit of individuality to your look. With more and more men opting for a more relaxed fit, many of them have steered away from the skinny jeans. Rather, they found a new love for the wide-legged jeans and trousers.

90s Fashion men

Fun, freedom and rebellion were the theme of 90s fashion men. It seems to be all about being daring, brave and bold in your clothing choices.

They seem to reject the uncomfortable clothing trend of the past decade. That said, comfort became the emphasis of men’s fashion during the 90s. During this time, there was a surge in the popularity of Hip Hop music, which encouraged the wearing of oversized hoodies, distressed jeans, graphic print t-shirt, and trainers. Even corporate attire became less formal, and suits got bigger than usual. Neon-colored clothing and accessories also became popular with the youth.

80s Fashion for men

80s fashion for men was all about power dressing. They became more serious about fashion and preferred more expensive clothing and gaudy accessories. Matching sweatshirts and sweatpants were incredibly popular throughout the decade. It was everywhere. Men rocked snug fitting, but comfortable clothing. Graphic patterns, bold patterns, and broad shoulders conveyed a new national confidence.

In the early 80s, denim pants rose in prominence, with Levi’s and Wrangler being the jeans maker of choice. Athletic shoes also became a fashion symbol in the 80s.

70s Fashion men

Military surplus clothing, tie dye shirts, and bell-bottom jeans were the highlights of 70s fashion for men. The early 70s fashion men was a continuation of the hippie rebel style.

During the 70s, disco funk was all the rage. Shirt collars became long and pointed, neckties became wider and bolder, and suits became available in a bewildering variety of colors. Homemade accessories like bracelets, headbands, and necklaces also became popular in the 70s.

60s Fashion men

In the 60s, people preferred more casual clothing. Casual was in, and formality was out. Sports shirts and polo shirts were the norms for casual wear. Even men’s business wear took on a new casualness. Collars got longer and wider, lapels, belts, and ties got wider. The conservative men’s suit took on some geometric design. It was also during this decade when wide leg pants were introduced. They also started growing their hair, with The Beatles leading the way.

50s Fashion men

50s fashion men was dominated by conservative gray suits and minimal accessories. During this time, men returning from the military were trying to fit and look the part. The goal was to look smart and employable. There was less variety of styles offered.

Back in the day, almost everyone was wearing a boxy suit, oxford shirt, loafers and rep tie. Individuality in style of clothing has become an afterthought. Since everyone is wearing the same set of clothes, mass-produced ready-to-wear clothing took over as the everyday norm. The clothes were cheaper and basic pieces were more accessible.

1920s men’s fashion

1920s men’s fashion pivoted on classicism but was injected with a thematic twist. It was a time of classic sophistication. The emphasis was on formality.

Suits were an essential part of men’s daily wardrobe and wore them with pride. They wore suits at parties, in the office, and even on ordinary days. The only exceptions were teenagers and blue collar workers as they dress more casually. But they also own classic suits in neutral colors. Much of men’s clothing in the 1920s greatly influenced today’s business attire.

Conclusion

Most people buy something because they’re seriously on trend this season or because they love that particular brand. We understand that you want to look stylish and stay on top of the latest trends, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But before you decide to buy any piece of clothing, ask yourself if you really like it. Also, will it look good on you?

Beware of buying something just because it’s on trend right now. Sometimes, these trends don’t last that long. After several months to a year, these fashion trends will long be forgotten. It will be such a waste of money investing in clothes. What was cool last season may look weird and awkward this season. That said, we highly recommend that you stick with basic and versatile clothing when shopping for clothes. Opt for crew neck t-shirts, well-fitted jeans, white button down shirts, black or navy suit, sports coat or jackets and a good pair of shoes.

Once you have built a classic and timeless wardrobe, it would be easier for you to bring your own twist and incorporate the new trends into your personal style. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also look better on it. No matter what outfit you choose, make sure everything fits impeccably. Find the style that is right for you.